Boston-area to do list

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PICK OF THE DAY

On his road

Travel sites covered by Rick Steves are quite different from those that caught the eye of humorist David Sedaris. In his soon-to-be released collection of essays, “Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls,” The New York Times best-selling author writes about the eating habits of the Australian kookaburra, the squat-style toilets of Beijing, and the dangers of French dentistry. April 7 at 7 p.m. $30 and up. Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 617-482-6661. www.celebrityseries.org

FRIDAY

Working actors In 1935, Hallie Flanagan was appointed director of the Works Progress Administration’s Federal Theater Project that provided jobs for thousands of actors during the Great Depression. The director, playwright, and author is the subject of “Enter Hallie,” a play by Daniel Jacobs and Susan Quinn. Friday’s reading starring Debra Wise is a benefit for Eastern Service Workers Association. 8 p.m. Suggested donation of $25, $15 students. Saint Paul’s Church, 15 Saint Paul’s St., Brookline. 617-265-9200. www.eswaboston.org

Balancing act For almost 20 years, Mauro Astolfi’s contemporary Spellbound Dance Company has balanced athleticism and elegance in its repertoire. The Italian troupe performs “Lost for Words,” “She Is on the Ground,” and “Downshifting.” 7:30 p.m. (April 6 at 8 p.m.). $60 and up. Citi Shubert Theatre, 270 Tremont St., Boston. 866-348-9738. www.telecharge.com

Not elementary, my dear Watson Antonio Vivaldi and other Baroque composers with ties to Italy get Handel and Haydn Society’s full attention at “Vivaldi Virtuosi.” Ian Watson leads the professional Period Instrument Orchestra and Chorus in a program including Vivaldi’s Sinfonia, and others. 8 p.m. (April 7 at 3 p.m.; pre-concert talks one hour before curtain). $20-$78. Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St., Boston. 617-266-3605. www.handelandhaydn.org

SATURDAY

World of wheels The musicians of Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band found their groove in Boston subway stations and at farmers’ markets. The winners of the 2012 International Jewish Music Festival offer a contemporary take on traditional Jewish music and are versed in classical, jazz, improvisation, and folk music. April 6 at 3:30 p.m. $12. All ages. Club Passim, 47 Palmer St., Cambridge. 617-492-7679. www.clubpassim.org

Dynamite For the first time in 20 years, Boston fans will watch a female member of the Harlem Globetrotters. TNT Maddox is the ninth woman in the team’s 87 years. Before the game, join the team on the court for 30 minutes of shooting, tricks, and autographs. April 6 and 7 at 1 p.m. $19 and up. TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston. 800-745-3000. www.ticketmaster.com

SUNDAY

Side by side Vocalists from the Boston Children’s Chorus Young Men’s Ensemble, the Natick High School Men’s Choir, and two groups from Worcester Polytechnic Institute will sing side by side with guys old enough to be their grandfathers. The multigenerational concert with the Boston Saengerfest Men’s Chorus serves classic and contemporary favorites. April 7 at 3:30 p.m. $25, $5 students. Wellesley Village Church, 2 Central St., Wellesley. 508-846-8989. www.eventbrite.com/event/5024099216